PEORIA, Ill. — Dogs and cats, like people, are susceptible to frostbite and hypothermia in cold temperatures.
For that reason, it’s important to remember to care for pets in bitterly cold temperatures the Peoria area has experienced over the last couple weeks.
How cold is too cold for animals to be outdoors for an extended period of time? Peoria Humane Society (PHS) Education Coordinator Kitty Yanko said it’s pretty simple.
“If it’s too cold for you to be out there without a jacket or shoes on, it’s too cold for your pets,” said Yanko. “[Pets] can’t do any better than we would out there.
“If at all possible, bring your pets indoors.”
If there’s no way to bring the animal inside, Yanko says to provide proper shelter for them.
“Provide them with a house that has a raised floor off the ground, face it away from the wind, and put some sort of blanket or burlap over that stops the wind from coming in,” said Yanko.
Yanko said it is still important to provide dogs with exercise, even when it’s cold, as long as they aren’t outdoors for too long.
She suggested going on short walks, playing fetch, or hiding treats around the house for them to find and keep busy.
When going outside in the cold temperatures, Yanko said its best to wipe off paws when going back inside due to the possibility of rock salt sticking to them.
According to Yanko, Peoria County Animal Protection Services (PCAPS) has received numerous calls in the last week or so related to people leaving their animals outside.
“If you are worried or concerned, always call your local animal control or shelter and let them look into it,” said Yanko. “They’ll go ask the owner to bring the dog inside — as soon as they leave [the owner] could let the dog back out.
“Sometimes people have to call back because it’s another day, or two hours later, and the dog is back out again.”
If animals are moved to garages during cold temperatures, she warns owners to make sure things like antifreeze are out of their reach.
“[Antifreeze] can be a deadly poison,” said Yanko. “It has a sweet taste, and it does attract animals.”
The phone number for PCAPS to report an animal in danger is (309)672-2440.
In addition, Yanko is reminding area residents that they are taking food and montary donations to help pet owners affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
More information is available on the PHS website with ways to help.
Full interview with Kitty Yanko:
